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DIY: Upcycle Coasters From Bars and Restaurants

Buffy Andrews, USA TODAY Network

As you’ve probably realized from this summer DIY series, I love to upcycle and repurpose. I’ve accumulated dozens of coasters from bars and restaurants and decided to upcycle them. They make great gifts and are something everyone can use.

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Pages for this set came from an old history book that was falling apart. Buffy Andrews

Because I’m an author and love all things books, I decided to make a set of bookish coasters.

I found an old history book that was falling apart and removed pages I thought would work. One coaster features a drawing of Shakespeare reading to Queen Elizabeth. The other features a monk writing a manuscript and another shows Gutenberg standing at his press.

Once I selected the pages I wanted to use, I glued them to the coasters using Mod Podge and also sealed them with Mod Podge. After they dried, I sprayed with clear acrylic sealer to give them extra protection.

If you're making a set to give as a gift,stack the coasters and secure them with ribbon or twine. Add a book charm or tag for added pop.

If gifting the coasters, secure with ribbon or twine and add a book charm.(Photo: Buffy Andrews)

I also upcycled a coaster using Monopoly money and a deed card. I used the same procedure I used above, gluing the paper money and the deed card using Mod Podge and, after it dried, spraying it with acrylic clear sealer.

I upcycled this coaster using Monopoly money and a deed card.(Photo: Buffy Andrews)

While we’re on the subject of coasters, remember the Scrabble signs we made the other week using Scrabble racks and tiles? If you did this, you probably have the board and are wondering what to do with it.

You can cut the Scrabble board apart and make coasters out of it.

Just cut the Scrabble board into whatever size square you want. Then spray with acrylic clear sealer. I like to cover the back of the coasters with cork and buy the sheets with adhesive. Simple cut out a piece from the cork sheet and attach it to the back of the coaster and trim the excess.

You can make coasters out of old game boards. Apply cork to the back of them.(Photo: Buffy Andrews)

If giving as a gift, stack and secure with ribbon or twine and add a Scrabble tile to the top!

If gifting, stack the coasters and secure with ribbon or twine. Add a Scrabble tile to the top to finish it off.(Photo: Buffy Andrews)

BONUS

Scrabble magnets: You can also cut smaller squares from the Scrabble board and turn them into magnets. I like gluing some tiles to the pieces and when dry attach a heavy magnet to the back.

These magnets, made from a Scrabble board and tiles, make a fun gift.(Photo: Buffy Andrews)

BONUS

Monopoly magnets: Make Monopoly themed magnets by cutting the coaster (or Scrabble board) into 1-inch or 2-inch squares and adhering pieces from Monopoly money, deed cards or Community Chest or Chance cards. Finish by attaching a magnet to the back.

I made these magnets using Monopoly game cards. How cute!(Photo: Buffy Andrews)

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